Sherwood Colliery bounced back from the disappointment of a midweek FA Cup exit at Long Eaton United to claim a fine 2-0 win at Sleaford Town in UCL North, writes Phil Kirkland.

The Wood, who made just the one change as Jamie York returned to the starting XI, got off to the perfect start, scoring the opening goal in the third minute.

Kieran Watson found the empty net with a calm finish after Charlie Taylor’s throughball was not dealt with by Liam Flitton in the Sleaford goal.

Watson couldn’t quite capitalise again 10 minutes later when he was not able to get enough power on his effort after Jobe Shaw had headed the ball into the striker’s path.

The Wood were having joy in the wide areas, while Sleaford were trying to upset a very assured-looking Sherwood back four.

As the players prepared for a mid-half water break Luis Rose saw his effort fly over the bar after The Wood had counter-attacked through Will Norcross.

On 29 minutes Rose missed a golden chance to double the lead, firing over after excellent work by the impressive Watson.

Three minutes befor3 half-time Lewis Belgrave released Jacob Edge-Lucas, who found that man Rose again. His effort this time was on target but Flitton saved.

In stoppage time Sleaford spurned their first real opportunity, Joe Butler heading wide from close range after The Wood failed to stop a ball into the box.

The second half saw the home side come out with a new desire to get back into the game but, despite having a more equal share of the ball, they were finding it difficult to create any clear chances, although on 55 minutes Alfie Smith-Eccles had a scare as he fumbled the ball from a corner leading to claims the ball had crossed the line, which were waived away by the officials.

This provoked a response as Watson sprung the offside trap only to fire over as Ryan Ingram waited for a square pass that did not arrive.  While The Wood looked comfortable, a second goal would ease any nerves and it duly arrived after 75 minutes.

Jamie York ghosted past two players in midfield and played a delicious ball into Rose, who this time smashed the ball past Flitton to double the lead.

The Wood rang the changes and managed the game well, keeping the ball away from their own goal and looking to add a late third goal.  A good result on a really difficult day for both sets of players.

Manager Wayne Savage said: “I’m really pleased to get the win. Today was always going to be difficult especially after the midweek defeat.

“Overall, both our strikers have scored and we’ve kept a clean sheet so a good day.  We have a tough midweek fixture on Tuesday, so hopefully we can rest up and go again.”